Selection of a powder for ceramic injection moulding

Ceramic suspensions were prepared from six alumina powders using the same high molecular weight organic vehicle. 18 mm diameter cylinders were compression moulded from four of these suspensions which were suitable for ceramic injection moulding. The organic vehicle in each cylinder was removed by thermal degradation according to the same temperature ramp. The defects present in the cylinders after removal of the organic vehicle are discussed in terms of the powder characteristics. Criteria for the selection of ceramic powders that could be used together with a high molecular weight organic vehicle for this shape-forming method, are deduced from the results obtained.